With “ber” months just around the corner, bazaar season is going to be in full swing sooner or later! To ease you into the season of shopping Olympics, step into 8 Rockwell Penthouse on Aug.26 to 28 and find yourself waist-deep in awesome finds in this crafts fair that features all-Filipino artisans.
The name says it all — MaArte, now on its eighth year, is shopping heaven for the discerning shopper who not only loves living a contemporary, stylish lifestyle full of pretty things, but also has a soft spot for locally handcrafted goods and believes in the talent of the Filipino.
The fair is organized by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines and all its proceeds are given to the National Museum. Taking advantage of recent lifestyle trends that have given tribute to Filipino craftsmanship, the focus of the bazaar is to “evolve the Filipino craftsman,†proving to everyone that he is, in fact, an artist with a wellspring of creativity, and definitely not just a mechanical worker.
In the words of Maritess Pineda, Museum Foundation President, she says that “over the past years that Rockwell has been our home, we have attracted a wider market of individuals who appreciate the indigenous work of the Filipino, for the modern lifestyle. Fabrics, baskets, jewelry, clothing, and a myriad of new accessories will be available to our buyers.â€
Check out this preview of what’s in store for the weekend!
Fashion and beautyÂ
Akaba
Backpacks are the new everyday, all around bag for both the student and the working professional. You’ll find designs and materials that rival imported brands that are currently knapsack lovers’ go-to picks at Akaba. Purchases made here have the bonus of helping provide sustainable income as well as educational assistance and basic healthcare to the indigenous communities that make these export quality bags.
Silnag
This is a great match for the eclectic (and eccentric) friend that loves accessories of every kind, size and make. It’s especially appealing to those who are into designs inspired by native and tribal designs. Made by the artisans of Cordillera, these chunky, stand alone necklaces are made from animal bone, horn, shell and other organic material. Time to channel the high priestess in you!
Micki Olaguer
Her earrings, necklaces and rings will be adored by women with elegant and sophisticated taste and who love getting asked where their accessories are from. (But will never reveal their fashion secrets). Made from traditional Filipino materials like mother of pearl and gold gathered from the country’s mining regions, Gemological Institute of America Accredited Jewelry Professional Micki Olaguer’s collection entitled Mine is all about reinventing the use of traditional materials in jewelry.
Home décorÂ
Happy Star Child
Pick up great finds for the modern day hippie from lamps, shirts, bags and other decorative pieces right here. Everything is made by a mother and her 12-year-old son; he makes the artwork while she hand paints and curates them. The project is a result of their philosophy to live a life closely connected to mother nature, all forms of art and the full range of life experiences. Let peace, love and understanding take over with these purchases.
Cornerstone Pottery Farm
Do you have a tita that’s absolutely in love with decorating her garden and sala with earthy pieces like stoneware, pottery and ceramics? EJ Espiritu and his wife, owners of Cornerstone Pottery Farm, share the same love of nature-inspired décor. They hope to revive the lost art of crystal glazing and creating handmade pottery, resulting in pieces that are one of a kind, one hundred percent of the time. You’ll get a thousand and one besos from your tita with this choice, for sure!
MilvidasÂ
Calling all green thumbs! This collection was made for you and your buddies. Gardens need accessorizing too, right? Milvidas’ patio line has expanded to include the Macramé Plant Hanger and bowl that’s great for creating tiered and cascading effects in your garden with beautiful and delicate hanging plants. Made by women from a Gawad Kalinga community and organized by Maria Antonia Cu Unjieng, stocks are always limited to ensure the highest quality. (Bonus: they also make coasters, glass huggers, napkins, placemats, tray liners, bags, pillows, poufs and some baby accessories).
Gifts and GracesÂ
For your loved ones that love to collect all kinds of quirky things and are into mixing and matching most things, Gifts and Graces your one-stop-shop for them. Shabby chic and bohemian are the keywords here. All of G&G’s products are made by members of communities supported by non-profit organizations, and all of whom have different sets of skills. No two communities make the same products.
Tummy treatsÂ
Green Babes
Christmas is the time for rationalizing dietary decisions. For the friend and family member that always finds the right line to justify a second serving, Green Babes’ jams and jellies, chocolate delights and other sweet and savory confections will never need further explanation. Owners and longtime friends Bopeep Arroyo and Zerla Mayuga believe in the promise of healthy living, making affordable and locally produced organic and gourmet items more accessible.
Pastry ArmoireÂ
And of course, when all the shopping is done, it’s best to leave room for dessert. Christmas does only come once a year, after all, so we suppose you can give in and let loose with an arsenal of ice cream, pastries, dips and breads. Fun for the whole family at noche buena or as early as Thanksgiving, Pastry Armoire’s selection is as yummy as it looks.
